Let the Fear of God be Upon me

Pic is courtesy of Photobucket.com

Hi there.  After I wrote the post, "More Glory if I pay the Price" I thought I should share this song that the Lord gave me years ago about walking in the fear of God.  It has helped me so much!   The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and leads to life.  Hallelujah!

Whenever I think I am being flippant about the grace and mercy the Lord has shown me I start singing this song and it helps to get me back on track.  I thought I had it recorded properly but it wasn't so that took me a bit of time.

Here it is and may it help you as much as it's helped me.   http://youtu.be/0imIWykY5bQ

Col. 3:5-10 "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. ⁷ You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Italics & underline are mine)

Sounds easy eh?  No, it's not.  If it was we would all be sinless!  On our own we can't do this. However,  the more we fill up on Holy Spirit and the word, the more we will desire the good things of God.  

 Here's another key to bring you closer to victory. ^"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James 1:13-15) 

This passage says that  we are tempted to sin by our own evil desires.  Only as we recognize that the fruit of our sin is a form of death, will we hate the sin enough to want to get free from it.  Therefore, let's keep asking for fear of the Lord because it's 'the beginning of wisdom' and the start of recognizing the fruit of death that our sin is leading to.

On that note I am going to keep singing that song, lol.
Blessings,
Brenda Gale Thompson

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Learning...

Beautiful Lemon Sunflower

God's been good.  I have been learning some great life lessons and enjoying the journey.  (I just want to always be looking for the Sun(Son)! lol.

First new idea is that if I can't help the person directly then I shouldn't be talking about them.  The Bible has lots to say about 'slander'.  I couldn't believe how many scripture verses  I found!

Second new idea is that I should talk about Jesus until Holy Spirit tells me to be quiet.  Completely different perspective from most Christians especially at work.   I prayed for healing out loud  for someone at work that was a Christian and I could see that they were uncomfortable with it.

Another time I was sharing with someone higher up in the chain of command about how God told me to be careful in a situation and he remarked, "So you're a Christian?"  "YOU BET,"  I responded. Sad thing is he doesn't know that over half the people I work with are Christians,  they just don't talk about it.   Fear in it's various forms has caused them to take the easy way.... and the devil wins another round and we shame the one who suffered so much for us.

I don't know about you but I reckon myself dead to the flesh.... and any fear I discover I have,  I am working to eliminate.   I have overcome a few things and have a ways to go, but I'm going in the right direction!  I have found that it's easier to overcome  when I stay strong in  my Bible promises.

Third new idea  is that I am busy, so I have to make time to stay strong in the word.  I usually have about 40 minutes before I leave for work in the morning, so while I'm letting the dogs out and getting ready,  I've been turning on Dan Mohler on youtube and getting some good anointed word in me.   Good stuff.

Fourth  new idea is that business doesn't have to take you away from God's plan for your life.  It can force the decision making process, so that you pare away the things that don't really matter.  The choice is really up to you.

Holy Spirit has been helping me through some really busy weeks and my family and I aren't suffering and neither is my walk with the Lord.  Hallelujah!  Holy Spirit has been helping me to keep my priorities straight and I am so grateful!  I do not want to miss this end time move of God.  I want to be in it somehow, someway.

On that note, I am going to go sing the Lord a few songs and see what else he has to say before bed.
I Bless you  abundantly; physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, and relationally, in Jesus' name!

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Deception

I think all of North America is in shock following the mass murder of so many people in a movie theater in Colorado.  How can this happen?   What would cause someone to do such a thing?  Now the police are having a hard time getting into this fellow's apartment!   
Link for news article

Easy.... deception.  One little thought that goes unchecked, fed by another thought that goes unchecked and before long the person has believed a lie.

The next step is when they start treating people as if the lie they have believed is truth.  Really, they are viewing people through 'rose-colored glasses" and are not able to distinguish truth from the fiction they have believed.  At this point it's easy for the enemy to add other lies to the initial one.

This is the trap that introverts can easily fall in to.  Because they like to be alone and think, they don't get the feedback that will keep those questionable ideas in check.  Also,  because they are the silent ones, they don't often reach out for help, so you can be living with somebody and not really know that they need counseling.

We can see this behavior in Christians too.  When we don't stay in contact with others we can easily fall into deception.   That's why it's so important that we stay in touch with people who will pray for us when they see danger signs and even disagree with us in conversation-- if warranted.   Iron sharpens iron and it keeps us from getting dull too. We need to stay sharp to the enemy's schemes. Amen?

Pride will cause some people to think that they don't need peers, or that friends will not understand their ideas and opinions.  Emergency alarms should be going off if you see someone who thinks he is better than everyone else.  He or she is headed for a fall.

It's very sad to see something like this happen. We need the Lord's eyes and ears to see the lonely ones and hear what the people are 'not' saying.  Even more importantly, we need the Lord's heart so that we will care enough to keep calling forth the plan of God in these individuals. 

Let's pray: "Lord please help all the hurting people. Let your love flow and let your mercy and grace touch each and everyone of them. Bring healing and help to all those affected, in Jesus' name.  Here am I Lord.  Use  me to help  others today. Amen!"

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Pete Cabrera... The REAL Deal!

This fellow has a refreshing perspective.  ENJOY!
http://petecabrerajr.com/?p=326

Fear Issues

You know how some times you wonder what the Lord has in mind when he tells you to go to a certain scripture?   Well I started reading  Psalm 10, "O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others. For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the LORD." (vs 1-3)  


It wasn't making much sense but I felt the Lord tell me to keep reading.  Then we get to verse 11, "The wicked think, "God isn't watching us! He has closed his eyes and won't even see what we do!" Arise, O LORD! Punish the wicked, O God! Do not ignore the helpless! Why do the wicked get away with despising God? They think, "God will never call us to account."

That's more like it! No one likes to see the wicked prosper.  We all have a sense of justice and want to see  the right thing being done.  I can feel the indignation of the author as he writes these words.

"Break the arms of these wicked, evil people! Go after them until the last one is destroyed. The LORD is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them."

This last verse is the best verse of all.  "You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them." (Psalm 10:18 NLT)  I grabbed a hold of that because because I am realizing that the major reason people don't expand the kingdom of God wherever they go is because of fear.   Yes... there can be training issues,  but even after people have taken seminars and courses they are not reaching out.

This applies to me too.  Especially when I have been doing administrative stuff and not getting out to the stores or malls I can lose my 'edge.'

The fear of man is a snare and a trap: 
In work situations...
in church situations....
in social situations....
in neighbor situations...
in family situations....

Whatever the reason we give, the fact is that we can all get better at being a witness.  Therefore I'm going to start claiming this verse.  "Thank you Lord that you hear my cry and you set me free from the fear of people in every situation."

The good thing is that it's easy to get back into the game.  I start claiming words of knowledge every day and boldness to share them and I start singing songs that will build up my spirit. Here's a link to a song I wrote about boldness. (Ps. 138:2)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOVulWtSky8

Then I invariably start leaving out tracts wherever I go and fight that tiny bit of fear.  Next I keep filling up on God's love because His love flushes out or casts out all fear.  His love is shed abroad in our hearts by Holy Spirit so whenever I encounter fear it means I have a love shortage.  Praise the Lord that is so easy to fix!  I just ask for more love!  I ask him to show me how much he loves these precious people. He's never failed me yet. (ref. Rom. 5:5, 1John. 4:18)

The best news is that what he's done for me, he will do for you!  He is no respecter of persons. (Acts. 10:34)

Then I start to imagine myself in work situations and what I will say and do. I start to daydream about sharing the good news with people or praying for the sick in the grocery store and what I will say if I get any negative feedback.  Forewarned is forearmed.  It builds your confidence when you predetermine how you are going to react and practice before hand.  And I keep reminding myself that I don't need to worry that Holy Spirit has my back. He's my defender and he'll give me the words to speak when people ask questions or make comments. (Psalm 91 and Luke 12:12)

Time and time again I have walked away from an encounter with someone and thought to myself, "I wish I could take notes of what I've said!"  I've said stuff I had no way of knowing!  It's God!  And if he'll do it for me, he'll do it for you!

You can depend on him!  Life gets so exciting when you don't know what's coming, but you know that He's gone ahead of you and preplanned it! (ref. Eph. 2:10)  The testimonies are great!  I don't share a lot of the day to day testimonies I get on this blog, because I don't want to seem like I'm bragging but I've got them!

So let me pray for you and myself, "Lord we want to be used of you today.  Open our hearts, eyes and ears to your precious words.  Thank you Lord for giving us boldness everyday and help us to walk in the fear of You, which is the beginning of wisdom and not the fear of man which is a snare and a trap.  Help us to say, "Yes Lord, how?" right away and not hesitate because of fear, when you nudge us. Thank You Lord that we walk in the anointing we have attained. Thank you Lord for an exciting day with you. Amen!"

Bless you!

Brenda Gale Thompson
ps... Here's me overcoming another fear of riding spoiled horses that haven't been ridden in 6 months and are very attached to their herd.   I am very proud to say that I did it!  I only went about 100 feet from the other horses so I wouldn't have a wreck on my hands but I rode her!

getting our bearings

Ginger's being careful because of the ice.

Healing Testimonies

I love it.  These are two fellows from our church.  www.wcca.ca   I remember when Glen came to our church the first time.  God had me prophesy over him as he was leaving.

Laurin was a fellow Glenn brought in for prayer because he needed healing.  We prayed for him a couple of times and Laurin got touched so mightily that he's been going out and doing the stuff.  


To God be all the Glory!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtm1SdSPF38&feature=plcp&context=C394f883UDOEgsToPDskKaxJCkhviihcM_pSEHHW_3

Enjoy!  This is available to all.  There are so many testimonies of regular people being changed and going out and doing the stuff (bringing the Kingdom of God wherever they go).

I speak boldness over you and me!  That we don't waste the opportunities.  That we ask the Lord to use us every day!  We are bold because we are righteous!  We've not been given a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind! Greater is he that's in you than he that's in the world. (Prov. 28:1, 2Tim. 1:7, 1John 4:4)

Bless you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Wal Mart Words

 

I was at Wal Mart a few days ago and I thought, "Gees, I haven't given anyone an encouraging word today." I started praying and I spied a pregnant lady. Aha! I love prophesying destiny over babies. 

As I walked around looking for the lady I started asking the Lord for one word for her.  You see I knew from Psalm 139 that the number of thoughts God has for us are uncountable.  All I needed was just one of his thoughts about this lady.  I knew from past experience that Holy Spirit has lots to say, so I boldly made my way, not having one word... yet.

I found the lady and asked if I could share what the Lord had given me.  As soon as I opened my mouth I all of a sudden knew that she was carrying a boy and that he was going to be a leader.  He had a special gift of wisdom too.  She was really blessed and let me pray for her for an easy labor and delivery.

As I walked away I was thanking God for the opportunity to bless this lady when I noticed that I was hearing words for each person I glanced at.  It was totally amazing!   I looked one way and got, pain, forgiveness and despair when I looked at three people. I stopped and looked the other way and saw hope, veil and knee at another three people.  Everywhere I looked the people had labels that I could hear inside of me when I looked at them.

I could have stayed there all night giving out destiny words to people.  God really wants this for us saints.  We are the generation that's going to make a difference.  Greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world.  

Lord show my sister and brother how to walk in this.  Show them how many thoughts you have towards them. Help them to hear your voice more clearly in their quiet time with you and to jot down all the precious things you show them. Give them faith to see in the spirit like you did Jeremiah. Thank You Lord that Your love flushes out all fear in them.  Thank You Lord for going ahead of them and giving them a couple of opportunities to share encouraging words with people who will be receptive and appreciative. Amen! (Psalm 139:17, John 10:27, Hab. 2:2-3, Jer. 1:11, 1John 4:17)

Bless you!

Big hugs,

Brenda Gale

(photo courtesy of photobucket.com)

 

 

You Say, God Says...

This is an awesome piece that I found on Facebook.  I don't know who the author is so I can't give credit, but it's worth sharing.
Enjoy!

******************•*¨*•♫♪ *♥♥♥* ♪♫•*¨*•**********************
You say:"It's impossible" - God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say:"I'm too tired" - God says" I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say:"Nobody really loves me"... - God says:I love you (John 3:16 & John 3 :34)
You say:"I can't go on" - God says:My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9 &Psalms 91:15)
You say:"I can't figure things out" - God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say:"I can't do it" - God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say:"I'm not able" - God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)
You say:"It's not worth it" - God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
You say:"I can't forgive myself" - God says: I forgive you (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say:"I can't manage" - God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say:"I'm afraid" - God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
You say:"I'm always worried and frustrated" - God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1 Peter 5:7)
You say:"I'm not smart enough - God says: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)
You say:"I feel all alone" - God says: I will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
******************•*¨*•♫♪ *♥♥♥* ♪♫•*¨*•**********************

Have a great day with HIM!
Brenda Gale

Image source: Holy Trinity Brompton, www.htb.org.uk

God Is Not Mean Or Vindictive

 I just recently heard about a Christian who is suffering right now and is having a hard time working.  Apparently this person is having a hard time trusting God with all the responsibilities of life.

So the person who told me about it said, "Well maybe God allowed this so that the person would be forced to rest."

Ask any worrier and they will tell you that being at home does not mean that you will not think about all your problems. Actually, you will have more time to dwell on all the things you need to do but can't.

Second,  the Lord is not schizophrenic.  The Bible says, "For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." Lam 3:33  Therefore, since God can't lie and He doesn't change, there must be something else happening here. (Mal. 3:6, 1Sam. 15:29, Num. 23:19)

Psalm 91 will give us a good clue. It says that "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Lord.   I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust. "(vs 1-2) 

That's our part to do.  We choose to dwell.  We choose our thoughts and our words.  Our words can either invite the Angels to hang around us or the bad guys to hang around.  It is all our choice.

I can tell where you are headed by the words you speak.   Life and death are in the power of your tongue (Prov. 18:21). You believe what you say about yourself more than you believe what anyone else says.

Psalm 91 has more to say about the person who chooses to abide or dwell with God.  No evil will come near their home.  That's one promise I love!  Let's read this Psalm together aloud. It's got some powerful promises that we can put to work for us.  (The Angels hearken to the voice of His word, so let's give them lots to do!)

 ¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.”
³ Surely he will save you
   from the fowler’s snare
   and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
   nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
   nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.
 ⁹ If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
   and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰ no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent (home).
¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
   you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
 ¹⁴ “Because he^[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
   and show him my salvation.”  (Psalm 91:3-16 italics mine)

Amen!  Now I know you are going to have a good day.   You keep speaking God's promises out loud over yourself and you will have a great day.

You are blessed to be a blessing!   Let's pray for this person. "Lord we agree that this person I heard about is coming out of this attack far better than before. I speak life over this person and I say, "Be whole, Be Healthy, Be sound in your mind and full of Holy Spirit! I cast down every negative, idle word spoken over this person and I say rise up! in Jesus' Name. Rise Up! I speak peace to every situation they face and  revelation to every problem and joy to everyday issues they face.  Lord send your angels to help them get back on their feet. Give them testimonies for every trial they face, in Jesus' name! Amen!

Thanks for agreeing with me.
Have a great day with Him!
Love and Big hugs,
Brenda Gale

Word at Dentist's Office

So you would tend to think after reading the last 4 or 5 posts that I am always this bold person, always flowing in words of knowledge and prophesy, right?

Think again! Yesterday I got busy at home before my dentist appointment and did not do my daily devotions or good confessions.  I was more concerned about what to get done on my tooth and praying for protection over the procedure, etc., etc.

So there I was, sitting in the dentist's chair with a frozen mouth, waiting on the dentist.  Getting a little bored, I thought to ask the Lord, "What's up with the dentist?"

I immediately got this picture of him working in another office and thought, "That's cool. I wonder if he is going to expand?  I asked the dental assistant when she came in and she said, "No, he's quite happy here."

So, I didn't mention the word to him.

Has it happened to you?  A little bit of discouragement comes, so you ignore the prompting of the Lord and shut down your gift.  I have done it countless times and you probably have too, without realizing it.

I have learned to repent quickly.  Then I revisit the words or visions I get and double check with Holy Spirit to see if I am right, by asking for more details and clarifying the vision. Second, I double check to make sure my motive is right-- I want to bless and encourage the person.  Third, I ask the Lord if I have missed my window of opportunity to deliver the word.

With that in mind, I went through my check list and then I sent the dentist an email about my word.  The worst case is, he will disregard it and think I am a little odd.  That's okay, I have already died to what other people think about me.  As long as Holy Spirit is happy, I am happy too. 

The upshot is that my word might help him to recognize a God ordained opportunity when it comes.  God will always confirm His word. It's worthwhile being obedient.  I have had people come to me years later and thank me for the words I have given them, even those that rejected  the word initially.

I hope this helps you to step out of your comfort zone.  The thrill of being obedient to Holy Spirit and helping Him is far greater than any discouragement or backlash from a person.

Let's pray: "Lord help us all to be so Heavenly minded that we can help tons of people here on the Earth. Help us set our minds and affections on things above.  Holy Spirit expose the pride of our hearts so that it doesn't deceive us. Thank You Lord that because we love Your word we avoid pride and offense.  May we always be motivated by Your great love and may we always live in the light of eternity. Amen! " (Col. 3:1-3, Obed.1:3, Ps. 119:165,  1John. 3:18, John 9:4)

Have a great day with HIM!
Love and hugs,
Brenda Gale

God's Not Answering

There comes a time in every Christian's life when you feel that God is not answering.   Everything was going great and you could get blasted by Holy Spirit at every meeting, get healed, get touched and now it feels like nothing is going on.

I am hear to tell you not to give up.   God only allows in His wisdom what He could easily prevent by His power.  If you are not feeling His presence right now, it could be that you are moving into a new season of your life, where you walk by faith and not by sight (or sensation).  This is quite normal in the Christian life and it's a sign of growth.  You are getting rid of the diapers and moving into training pants.

You see, the only way you can personally please the Father is to walk by faith-- not sight (ref. Heb. 11:6).  So that means you thank Him for touching you, even when you don't feel it, because you are convinced by the Bible's promises that God can't lie.  If you ask Him to touch you, He is, whether you feel Him or not.

The same is true with regard to healing.  I know some people who are upset because they still have some symptom or other and they have gone to many healing meetings.  My heart goes out to them as I hear them express their frustration with God.  "They've been healed before so why doesn't He do it now?" is the usual line I hear. 

I don't have all the answers.  I can share a bit from my own experience and I hope this will help you.
As we grow up, the Father wants us to grow in faith-- and faith is a muscle.  We know that muscles that don't get used are not healthy and will eventually shrivel up.  Therefore, we need obstacles to overcome for our faith to grow.  We need to grow our faith and not rely on someone else's faith all the time.

Also, we can only give away with power the testimonies we have gained.  Head knowledge doesn't cut it in the Kingdom of God. There's no 'umph!' with it.

I didn't have a preacher or a meeting that I could go to when I needed healing, so I went to the Word of God. I read the verse, that "by His stripes I was healed" and said, "That's mine." I knew that God can't lie and if He didn't want me to have that promise,  He shouldn't have put it in His book.  I already knew that He was no respecter of persons. (ref. Is. 53:5, Heb. 6:18, Acts 10:34)

Then I rested. I quit fretting and I let God be God. I stayed thankful and kept the praise and worship playing and tried to go on with my life as best as I could.

I was healed... It took me a while to realize it because it was progressive, like so many healings, but it started the moment I claimed it as mine and rested.

Our heads get us into so much trouble.  We need to learn to take negative, doubt-filled thoughts captive and not speak them out loud.  Negative talk has undone many a good healing confession.

Faith comes when you've planted the promise of God in your heart and meditated on it a while and it  dawns on you. That's when you know you have the goods.  Then you can pray and rest with a thankful heart.

Also, don't let circumstances or stress push you into messing up your faith-filled words. Many a healing has been lost by pressure.  It's time to double up on the anointed word of God, not throw Your Bible on the shelf.

Then when you get to a healing meeting your faith will work with the ministry team person or preacher and not against them.

After you get a victory or two start giving away your victories by agreeing for healing for others when they go up for prayer.   

Okay, enough said. Let me bless you now.

I declare that you are blessed, highly favored and passionate for God and His kingdom. May you plant the word of God deep in your heart and may it always bear fruit.  May His word come back to your rememberance when you need it and may your life be full of blessing, in Jesus' name I ask. Amen!

I Missed a Breakthrough

I was in Rochester, New York on the weekend. We had a great time getting some great teaching and making connections. After the course finished we went for a drive and ended up at Wendy's for a bite to eat, before heading back home.

Right outside the door was a homeless man, sitting on the ground with his back leaning against the garbage can. I walked by him into the Wendy's praying about what to do. It was bothering me that he was out there. At that point, I was fighting fear, so I ordered my salad and kept praying.

I waited for my friends to get to the table and asked my friend if I could borrow ten American dollars because I was out of American money. "No problem," she said and we proceeded to eat our lunch. As it turned out, she forgot to give me the ten dollars and I forgot to ask her again for it.

We talked a bit after lunch, then left. I didn't see the man on the way out. I didn't think about it till we had left the parking lot and I remembered that I had forgotten to get him a meal. My friend was driving away so I prayed out loud, "Lord send someone else."

I missed a great opportunity. You see, that was a love test and I chose to be comfortable rather than to risk upsetting my friends or embarrassing myself. I used to be really good at talking to homeless people. In Winnipeg, where I grew up, they used to come talk to me all the time. Sometimes they just wanted to talk. Sometimes they pan handled and I would ask Holy Spirit what to do. He always protected me.

You know Holy Spirit always rewards those who will love the least of them. He is always searching for His lost sheep. (Matthew 18:11-13) Sad eh? This man could have been an angel for all I know. It has happened before. The Bible says, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." (Hebrews 13:2)

I could make excuses for myself, but I know the truth. All I had to do was treat him like a human being and ask him if he was hungry. It's not rocket science. Then I could ask him what he would like and order it while he goes to wash up. For me washing is important and if he gives me trouble about it, I would joke with him saying, "Don't you want to look your best eating lunch with a pretty lady like me?"

That's how easy it is. $7.00 can keep a homeless man going for another day. The Bible says, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given." (Proverbs 19:17) If you are bold you can tell him about Jesus and His power that can set him free from addictions and save him from hell. If that is overwhelming, then give him a tract and let him eat by himself. He'll be glad for a good meal.

Here I have been asking the Lord for the spark I need to get this revival bonfire going in the valley and this man was the situation I needed. You see I have learned from experience that outrageous love leads to outrageous breakthroughs.

So you can understand why I am asking the Lord for another chance. If you dare, you can pray this with me; Lord have mercy on me, and help me get back to where I used to be -- totally, outrageously in love with You. I'm too comfortable these days, too apathetic. I want to be Your hands and feet in this dying world, really I do. So help me Lord to be more like You. Amen.

Bless you as you go love on purpose, in His name!

How To Lead Someone To Jesus

I wrote this because for so long I did not know how to introduce someone to Jesus. For some reason I could never ask them, if they wanted to know Jesus. Fear of rejection really did a number on me. As you read... be encouraged. It's a lot easier than I thought. All it takes is His love and an awareness that you are His disciple and He wants to use you! (Rom 12:1)

On average, nine times out of ten we will be witnessing to someone and it's going really well. We say something like, "Have a great day!" and we will walk away without asking them if we can introduce them to the Lord. This should not be so! If they are breathing they need Jesus, right? Okay, I'm glad you agree.

There are many ways to introduce someone to Jesus and basically we are there to facilitate an introduction to the Lord. The Lord will accept any way we can spit out the invitation! He knows about fear and intimidation. Holy Spirit is there to help you. If you are not sure if it's the right time to ask the person if they want to get saved, ask the Lord under your breath, "Lord, should I ask them if they want to get saved?" Holy Spirit will help you. He's your adviser and confidant and He want's them saved more than you do!

Let's say someone asks you a couple of questions about the Lord and you answer them and you have a positive feeling about the situation. Ask them if you can introduce them to Jesus. It's that simple. Just pray with them something like, "Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and show me You are real. I give you my life and I thank you for saving me and forgiving all my mistakes."

You can just ask them something like...

"Do you want to be sure you'll go to heaven? ( I recently led two people to the Lord with this question.)
"Are you tired of being bitter, frustrated and not happy with your life?"
"Are you looking for peace that stays with you? Let me introduce you to Jesus"
"Are you looking for a reason to live? Can I introduce you to my friend Jesus?"
"Do you want a "High" that is better than any drug or alcohol combination? Let me introduce you to Jesus.

Your words do not have to be in christian jargon. Actually, it's better if they are not. You do want the person to understand you, right? Your words will differ depending on who you are talking to and how nervous you are. Do not worry about that. If possible get them to repeat your words after you. That is a very good way to teach someone how to pray. They don't know how approachable Jesus and Holy Spirit are. It will be a revelation to some of the people you talk to.

You want them to speak out loud because our lives are determined by what we say. You will notice that sometimes the person you are leading to the Lord has a real struggle with saying the words out loud. That's because there is a Spiritual battle going on in their hearts at that moment. The bible is very clear that we must speak out loud. In Romans 10:10 we read, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it's with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

If someone tries to tell you "they didn't mean it when they asked Jesus into their lives." I encourage you to leave that question with the Lord. You would be surprised at how many re-commitments happen later on because the person remembers you leading them in prayer. Many people hear their conscience when all the noise stops, usually at night before they go to sleep. Holy Spirit will use your words. Do not negate your faith stand with negative words. Keep your faith strong on their behalf and God will bring them through.

Repentance

Repentance is something that God will work in their hearts through Holy Spirit. You don't need the person to confess every sin they have ever committed in order to get saved. The bible says that "The goodness of God leads you (men and women) to repentance." (Rom 2:4) We do not want to beat them up with how bad they are because that is not our job. Holy Spirit's job is to convict the world of guilt because they haven't accepted Jesus. (John 16:8) It is our job to tell people the good news (gospel) of God's love. As we introduce people to Jesus and they get a glimpse of His goodness, they will repent as a natural consequence. We look so dirty compared to Him. His love is so overwhelming we could never tell the half of it, right?

For example, I didn't know about repentance when I was committing suicide. I just whispered with all my might, '"If there's a God, I need to know!" I was brought back to life twice before I realized that I was being kept alive and I couldn't talk or move at that time. There was no way I could ask Jesus into my heart because I didn't know who He was! Are you getting this? God is not looking for excuses to keep us out of Heaven. He's looking for any opportunity to get us into Heaven!

I woke up in the morning with no side effects and my brain and body still functioned properly. It was a real miracle. I didn't know who this God was that kept me alive, but I knew that without him I was dead, dead, dead. Repentance? It didn't cross my mind. I was in hot pursuit of this wonderful peace and love that had kept me alive the night before. Repentance came later as I got a revelation of who Jesus was, what He had done for me and what it had cost Him.


Points To Think About

So many people are dying around you. Ask the Lord to increase your awareness of where they are at spiritually and then ask Him to give you a supernatural love for them so you'll be motivated to pray and to move out of your comfort zone. It is not the evangelist's job to save everyone. God has told all of us to go and make disciples. Be one of the Harvest Workers for the Lord. The Payback is out of this world. LOL!

Remember.... The only thing you can take to heaven with you is the souls/people you've led to the Lord.

Did you know that most adults get saved by their friends who love them and pray for them over a couple of years and then get them planted in the Body of Christ?


Remember: ASK! Ask them if they want to know the Savior. Ask them if they want to get to know God. Ask them if they want your phone number so they can call you later. Ask them if they want to go to church. Like a salesman we have to ask or we won't get the sale. So ask. So many times people have thanked me for taking the time to pray for them and share with them.

The very worst case is they'll say "No." A "no" answer can mean a number of things.

-I don't have enough information
-I don't have time to discuss this now.
-I don't think it's important now.
-I'm embarrassed because my friends are here and I don't want to lose face.
-I'll get saved later.

Ask Holy Spirit how to respond to them. I have left many, many people with a tract to read with more information on salvation for them. Sometimes it's okay to leave them with your phone number depending on what the Lord says. Most times, I just bless them and tell them to have a good day. It's always appropriate to ask the Lord to keep working on them and to release the Angels to help with the salvation of this precious person.

I bless you as you go out today and be a witness for the Lord.